Albion sign Gareth Barry

ALBION completed their fourth signing of the summer transfer window today as Gareth Barry joined the Baggies on an initial one-year deal.

The 53-times capped former England midfielder has signed up for the Baggies for an undisclosed fee.

Barry turned down the chance to extend his stay at Everton to switch to The Hawthorns and arrives just five appearances short of overtaking Ryan Giggs as the Premier League’s all-time record appearance maker.

He has longer-range targets than that impending slice of history, however.

“I want to come and help the team. That’s always been the same for me wherever I have played.

“I want to help the team improve, work hard and hopefully add quality."

Albion Head Coach Tony Pulis says the experienced former Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton midfielder offers the ideal replacement following the departure of former captain Darren Fletcher earlier in the summer.

“There was a big void when we lost ‘Fletch’ and Gareth will fill that void,” said Pulis.

“He’s a fantastic player and I think his attitude towards playing is really gauged by the fact that Everton had offered him a two-year contract to stay there.

“He really wants to play and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Chairman John Williams said the arrival of Barry brought to Albion one of the contemporary game’s most respected figures.

He said: “He’s got an amazing footballing pedigree and everybody will get a buzz from his joining us. We can’t wait to see him in action in our shirt.”

Barry joins earlier recruits Jay Rodriguez and Saturday’s match-winner Ahmed Hegazi while Albion have also signed young China international Yuning Zhang, who has joined Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen on a two-season loan.